Funding ideas from across America

Get creative! That's the advice that
successful trails activists invariably give. Finding funds for trails
and conservation projects is the ultimate creative challenge. Here
are some suggestions on trail funding from across the
nation:

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The three-mile Russell Blvd. Bikeway in Davis,
California, linking the city with the University of California
campus, was funded partly with fines levied against oil companies for
overcharging customers.

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Rail trails may end up with some saleable
materials to finance construction and maintenance. The Old Creamery
Trail between Vinton and Dysart, Iowa, is offering railroad ties for
landscaping for a "reasonable donation" to the trail fund. Fort
Morgan, Colorado is considering a deal to allow a contractor to
remove the railroad ballast in exchange for finish grading of the
future trail.

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A "giant pot of kielbasa" was the star when
mountain bike activists in Belfast, Pennsylvania, held a fundraising
concert to launch their new organization, the Jacobsburg Trail
Volunteer Association. Excellent weather, fun events, great tunes,
and good food brought a smashing success, according to organizer
Colette Flory.

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Two new local tax programs in Colorado are
benefitting trails: in Eagle County, which includes Vail and other
ski areas, voters passed a transportation tax that earmarks 10% for
trails, about $300,000 a year. In Colorado Springs, 20% of a new open
space sales tax is designated for trail acquisition and development.
The new program is funded by a 0.1 percent sales tax which amounts to
a single penny on a $10 purchase, but will add up to an estimated
$5-6 million per year. For information contact Lee Milner, 1427
Sausalito Dr., Colorado Springs CO 80907; 719/471-0365

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Friends of Central Iowa Biking Bike Garage Sale
broke previous records with 43 bikes sold in 8 hours to net about
$550 for advocacy and bikeway development in the community.

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The Colorado Trail Foundation feeds hundreds of
volunteers each summer on trail construction and maintenance
projects. Much of the food is donated from generous companies like
Krusteaz (pancake mix), Original Nut House (peanuts and trail mix),
and Mrs. Sutler's Snacks (trail mix). For information, contact Pat
Nagorka, Colorado Trail Food Committee Chair, 303/841-2777.

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The Off-Highway Vehicle Volunteer Program of San
Bernardino National Forest is adding a new element to their
Adopt-a-Trail program. In addition to the volunteer clubs and
organizations they plan to add a cash sponsor to each adopted trail.
This will help dealers and other businesses show their commitment to
caring for trails as well as provide funds for the tools and other
expenses of the volunteers. For information contact Kristine Komar,
909/884-6634 Ext. 3121.

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Trek Bicycles made a $100,000 challenge to help
pay for "Another Billion for Bikes"-- a national lobbying campaign
for bicycle project funding through ISTEA reauthorization. Bell
Sports, Scott Sport Group, GT, Cannondale, Giant, and Bianchi matched
Trek's challenge. For information on the campaign call 888/464-7832
or e-mail to GoISTEA@aol.com.

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The Florida Trail Riders in the Withlacoochee
State Forest took up the challenge of building a fence to separate
their OHV trail from a forest access road. Suncoast Trail Blazers
pledged a mile of fence and ten other clubs contributed funds and
volunteer labor to complete the project, which was part of the match
required for a National Recreational Trails Fund grant.

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A Montgomery County Conservation Corps crew is
assisting with efforts to clean up and restore the C&O Canal
Trail after floods in recent years. The Corps is involving other
conservation corps groups from elsewhere in Maryland and Washington,
D. C.